About

About Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder

Dr. Kevin Peter Schoenfelder, MD, is a retired orthopedic spine surgeon with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He devoted his career to treating musculoskeletal conditions, specializing in both surgical and nonsurgical care. He worked with medical institutions and received several accolades for patient satisfaction and surgical expertise.

The Early Years

Kevin Peter Schoenfelder was born and raised in Minnesota, where he spent his early years. He attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. His passion for science did not stop there; he continued his education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Master’s in Quantitative Genetics in 1975.

Medical School and Beyond

After completing his Master’s, Kevin continued his academic journey at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1979. While there, he was recognized for his academic excellence by being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society.

His intense medical training included an internship at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1979 to 1980. This was followed by orthopedic specialty training at the University of Washington, which he completed from 1980 to 1984. During this time, Kevin excelled in his studies and received recognition for his research, including being awarded the Best Resident Paper in 1984.

Academic and Professional Pathways

Following his residency, Kevin accepted an academic position as an Instructor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Washington. In this role, he contributed to the education and training of future surgeons. In 1984, he was selected as a Traveling Faculty member at the University of Hokkaido in Japan, where he shared his expertise and gained international experience. In 1985, Kevin continued his academic career with a fellowship at the University of Hong Kong, focusing on spine and pediatric orthopedics.

Impact on Orthopedic Surgery

Kevin Schoenfelder’s paper on the Sparing of L5/S1 in Long Fusions of Scoliosis was presented at the Scoliosis Research Society in 1987 and was selected as one of the best papers of the year. He also presented this work at the American Society of Orthopedic Surgery’s Specialty Day.

In addition to his research on scoliosis, Kevin was involved in transformative work on the Anterior Fixation of Spinal Fractures using the Kaneda device. His research in this area was also presented at the Scoliosis Research Society, further establishing him as a leader in spine surgery.

Leadership in Private Practice

After completing his fellowship, Kevin began working in private practice. He joined Puget Sound Spine Associates in 1985, providing specialized care for patients with spine-related conditions. Kevin helped countless patients regain mobility and live pain-free lives for over two decades.

In 2008, Kevin transitioned to the Franciscan Spine Group, where he worked until his retirement in 2018. During his time there, he consistently received top ratings for patient satisfaction. In fact, Kevin was awarded the 5-star Patient Satisfaction Award every quarter from 2008 to 2018. His exceptional ability to connect with patients and staff alike also earned him the Highest Staff Satisfaction Rating, with many of his staff working alongside him for over 24 years.

Orthopedic Surgery: What Is It?

Orthopedic surgery is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all of which are crucial for movement and stability. Orthopedic surgeons treat various issues, from fractures and sports injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis or scoliosis.

An orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder specializes in surgical and nonsurgical treatments. They aim to restore function, relieve pain, and improve patients’ quality of life. Common procedures in orthopedic surgery include joint replacements such as hip or knee replacements, spinal surgeries, and arthroscopic surgeries to repair injuries like torn ligaments or tendons. Most orthopedic surgeons often collaborate with physical therapists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Dr. Kevin Schoenfelder has always believed in giving back to the community. For over 20 years, he has supported charitable organizations, including the Greater Peninsula Land Trust, Burke Museum, Planned Parenthood, and various food banks like the Peninsula Food Bank and the Maui Food Bank. He has also supported environmental organizations like the Native Plant Society, Tacoma Bird Alliance, Washington Trails Association, the Sierra Club, and the Native Plant Society.

Life After the White Coat

After 45 years of a successful career, Kevin retired in 2018. However, he has remained active in his hobbies. He is passionate about gardening, hiking, scuba diving, and bird and plant identification. He also enjoys skiing, swimming, and horseback riding. Kevin is deeply involved in raising his six grandchildren alongside his wife of 41 years.

Kevin has also been a volunteer coach for both soccer and football in his local community. Also, he served as a coach for the Odyssey of the Mind competition, where his team won the Washington Championships twice and were runners-up twice.